In 1975 the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia decided to move its Ministry of Foreign Affairs from Jeddah to Riyadh. A Royal Decree urged foreign embassies to make the same move. A special Diplomatic Quarter (D.Q.) – for embassies, residences and staff housing - was planned for in the north-western part of Riyadh.

The Swedish embassy in Riyadh was inaugurated in 1986 and is designed by Swedish Architect Carl Nyrén in a postmodernist style. The colour scheme – light yellow – is reminiscent of the local sandstone. The plot in the D.Q. encompasses 6 355 square meters for the chancery (incl. the Swedish Trade Council Office), the Ambassador’s residence and housing for part of the staff.

A fountain – in the courtyard separating the chancery and the residence - by Swedish Architect Snorre Lindqvist, is part of the decorative features, marrying Swedish and Arab elements.

The interior layout of both the chancery and the residence incorporates distinctive features of traditional Arab architecture, the inner courtyards, the role played by water, the portico at the entrance of the chancery etc. Building materials are however distinctively Swedish, among them Brännlycke and Ekeberg marble as well as the solid wooden window frames.

The interiors are the work of Architect Göran Flodholm, along with the National Board for Public Building’s own Interior Architect Göran Faust. Swedish furniture and textiles are used throughout, including from the work-shops of Svenskt Tenn and Carl Malmsten.

Tapestries and oil paintings were commissioned especially for the residence’s official dining room and a sculpture by renowned Swedish Artist Olle Nyman adorns the residence entrance, while the waiting room of the chancery is decorated by Philip von Schantz’ birch stubs. The embassy collection also includes Swedish crystal. The chancery and residence both showcase works by some of the best artists Sweden can offer.